A site showcasing my coloured pencil artworks

Tag Archives: Caran d’Ache

My latest artwork “Centre Stage” was completed a few months ago and was inspired by a beautiful bed of tulips and pansies at a local park – they captured my attention shimmering in the afternoon light. It is the first time that I have tackled such a complicated background but I enjoyed the challenge, especially in drawing the out of focus areas. These require careful blending on the edges of each shape.

My drawing was selected to be published in the 5th volume of “CP Treasures: Colored Pencil Masterworks from Around the Globe” which was released earlier this month. It is an amazing compilation of coloured pencil works from artists around the world and the book features a wide variety of subject matter utilising different techniques and surfaces. If you would like to purchase a copy you can go to Ann Kullberg’s website here.

I also entered this piece in the Australian Society of Coloured Pencil Artist’s Annual Colourbrations Exhibition and was thrilled to receive an “Honorable Mention”. You can view the online exhibition and award winners here. I was asked to contribute a short article to their December newsletter.

I’m looking forward to the year ahead – I have started on my next floral piece and then I hope to try some different subject matter and attempt some still life pieces. Happy New Year!

I have always wanted to draw a bowl of cherries. I had pictured in my mind a monochromatic still life with the cherries as the main focus, resting in a white bowl. One day I walked into a supermarket to purchase some…..couldn’t find them anywhere…..and instead walked out with a collection of round, baby chillies.

My work in progress is pictured below:

8.5″ x 7.5″ Luminance on grey Stonehenge

There are a few firsts for me in this drawing…..the first time I have used my lovely Caran d’Ache Luminance pencils, first time using Stonehenge paper as a support, and first time trying a complementary tonal underpainting (green under red).

The Luminance pencils are a soft, wax-based medium, and even though they are more expensive than other brands, I chose to try them out because of their excellent lightfastness. The leads are encased in California cedar and I find them light and comfortable to hold. It has taken a while to adjust to the paper, it seems soft and ‘spongy’ but appears to be quite durable and capable of taking lots of layers.

I think the paper doily that the bowl is resting on is going to prove to be a challenge and a test of patience!